Lorraine Klaasen, the daughter of legendary South African Jazz singer Thandie Klaasen, is one of the few South African artists who have preserved the classic sound of Township Music, which continues to be the most distinctive sound to come out of South Africa. Born and raised in Soweto, and now based in London, Ontario, Lorraine has electrified audiences worldwide with her dynamic stage presence and showmanship.
In February 2008, Lorraine released the highly charged album Africa Calling. Through working with South African record producer Mongezi Chris Ntaka, and featuring bassist Bakhiti Khumalo (who also memorably performed on Paul Simon's landmark album, Graceland), Lorraine accomplished her childhood dreams of taking Township music to the rest of the globe and making a truly African record that touches every heart & soul that beats the world over.
Her CD A Tribute To Miriam Makeba won Lorraine the 2013 Juno Award for World Music Album of the Year, and was nominated for an APCMA Award in the Best International Indigenous Artist category. It is a tribute to the legendary songstress, who remains the most important female vocalist to emerge out of South Africa.
Lorraine's 2017 Juno Award nominated release Nouvelle Journée showcases some of the musical styles that Lorraine had not yet recorded in her long musical career. On this album she sings in the Tsonga, Sotho, isiZulu and Xhosa languages of South Africa as well as English and French.
For her latest undertaking, Lorraine teams up with long-time collaborator, guitarist and producer Mongezi Ntaka. Entitled Ukubonga (Gratitude) (2022), this recording is a collection of songs from the Southern Africa's Township music songbook and features songs written by some of Southern Africa's celebrated singers and composers.
Performance highlights include the prestigious Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, Festival International Nuits D'Afrique, Music of the Rainbow Nation and Hommage à Miriam Makeba in Toronto, as well as a very successful month-long US tour. Lorraine's life on the road continues with performances in South Africa, the United States, Barbados and at festivals in Ontario and Quebec.
For further information, please contact Justin Time Records at 514.738.9533, or info@justin-time.com. To learn more about Justin Time, its 39+ years of great recordings, and to browse its diverse catalogue of jazz, blues and gospel recordings, visit www.justin-time.com.